Wednesday, July 20, 2016

In order to address the problem
of indiscriminate use of antibiotics in animal produce used in fast-food
chains, doctors sign a letter to the popular chain Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC),
to commit to sourcing only from farms that use antibiotics for treatment
purposes. The doctors in the state of Kentucky which bears the name of global
chain, have written the letter to the KFC, urging them to be strict about the
farms they get their produce.

One of the signatories Dr. Anne
Wallis said that irresponsible antibiotic use promotes the evolution of
disease-resistant bacteria in the food supply and as citizens one has the right
to ensure that the food consumed comes from producers who restrain their
antibiotic use. Another signatory Dr. Lisbeth Fowler pointed out that restaurants
can play an important role in protecting the efficacy of antibiotics by serving
produce that complies with judicious use of antibiotics.

This is a very positive step by concerned
healthcare providers in the attempt to reduce antibiotic resistance, to go
beyond the clinical settings and look at the environmental factors which
contribute to the issue. Such advocacy is critical to ensure that all aspects
of this multi-pronged problem are dealt with. Doctors using their position and
voice to push for public health change is a powerful tool. It is an example for
clinicians elsewhere, including in India to raise their voice on important
health issues including antibiotic resistance.